Peak protest

Hoardes of motorcyclists and four-wheel driving enthusiasts took to Peak District roads once again to protest against plans to ban them from green lanes.

On Sunday, December 30, over 50 vehicles joined forces for another ‘drive-slow’ event to bring attention to Trail Riders Fellowship’s campaign.

With the latest demonstration falling between Christmas and the New Year, a lower turnout than at previous events was expected, but maximum impact was preserved by keeping all the 4x4s, cars and motorcycles taking part in a single group, which circulated the Peak District at 20 mph.

The group is celebrating the recent success of a court action by the Trail Riders Fellowship to overturn the ban on vehicles using Chapel Gate – an important historic road in the Peak District. But promises a vigorous response if, as feared, the Peak District National Park Authority attempts to reintroduce the ban at its meting on January 25.

A spokesman for the Vehicle Users Group said: “The illegal attempted ban on Chapel Gate has already cost the taxpayer tens of thousands of pounds. I’m sure those wishing to introduce a further ban would be less enthusiastic if they had to meet the cost themselves, but local people should be concerned about the ways in which the PDNPA is spending their money and asking questions about who appointed these people, who is pulling their strings, and to whom they are responsible.”